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Academicians discuss ARF’s role in Armenia

March 31, 1996

YEREVAN – “Nothing will be complete without the complete participation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun in our society, since it is a national force and it belongs to the Armenian people”, stated one academician taking part in a seminar organized by the ARF Supreme Council of Armenia, at the American University of Armenia, on March 30, 1996.

The seminar brought together major figures from Armenia’s academic circles to evaluate the party’s role and function in Armenia’s political life.

The two-session conference focused on:

1.The maintenance of Armenia’s statehood and the significance of political stability in pursuing national interests and the role of the ARF therein;

2.The ARF’s function in Armenia’s political life (evaluation of politics in Armenia and possible scenarios for future political development);

3. National interests and ARF ideology (the significance of the Armenian Cause in the establishment of a national state, Armenia-Diaspora relations, etc.); and

4.The creation of social structures based on the concept of social justice in Armenia and ARF’s socialist values.

During opening remarks, ARF Supreme Council member Edward Harutunyan outlined the party’s situation following its suspension on Dec. 28, 1994, which has caused a series of political, moral, psychological and organizational problems and stressed the importance of finding solutions to these issues.

One step toward that end, Harutunyan explained, was the upcoming ARF Supreme Assembly, whose aim is to outline ARF policy in Armenia as well as elect the party leadership.

Harutunian emphasized that in order for the ARF to return to active participation in political life and cooperate as well as coexist with other political entities, the party’s successes and oversights also must be evaluated.

The academicians participating in the conference were mostly representing the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the Yerevan State University.

Following day long critical analysis of the issues in question, it was agreed that similar discussions should also be held in the future.